In September 2023, @cearakirk spent a weekend exploring Audubon, Manning and Templeton. “When it comes to planning your next girl’s weekend trip, forget the big cities and plan a weekend in charming small towns,” she said. “Don’t be fooled by their size; these small towns have a wealth of activities and attractions to offer.” Replicate her trip.
Day One
Kickstart the day by visiting Albert, the world’s largest bull. The red and white Hereford bull is nine times larger than life and has his own park, where he towers over a campground and recreation area. Admire Albert’s grandiosity, then set off on foot or bike to explore the area’s famous 21-mile T-Bone Trail.
Find more active fun at the 19,000-square-foot Audubon Recreation Center. Challenge a friend or family member to a game of bowling on one of the facility’s nine lanes, practice gaming skills in the arcade, take a swing at the batting cages or learn how to play pickleball. Or watch a movie inside the renovated Rose Theater (open on weekends).
Venture six minutes south to Hamlin for a taste of Iowa’s original Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin at Darrell’s Place. Owned by locals Darrel and Marilyn, the menu also includes a salad bar with locally sourced veggies and home-cooked meals ranging from gizzards and onion rings to steak, seafood, sandwiches, burgers and pies.
Sample “the good stuff” at Templeton Rye Distillery in Templeton. Take a tour of the distillery’s onsite museum to learn all about Prohibition in Iowa and the creative ways bootleggers maintained their passion for whiskey.
Settle down for the night inside the classic red English-style barn that was transformed into the charming Taylor Hill Lodge. Choose from six themed rooms, two of which have their own private bathrooms. A hot breakfast is served each morning.
Day Two
Get a morning coffee or smoothie at The Market Place, voted the 2019 Best Small Business in Carroll County and the 2018 Best Gift Shop. Browse the 6,000-square-foot shop for gifts, snacks, clothing, shoes, accessories and home décor.
Explore more stores in Manning’s historic downtown. Grab a beautiful bouquet from Kristina’s Flowers, discover more gifts at the Manning Pharmacy or thrift brand names at Oh My Goodness Consignment and gently used clothing at Sacred Heart Community Closet.
Refuel at BrickHaus Brews, a popular main street eatery located inside the historic 1900 Mueller’s Furniture Store building. The menu includes award-winning specialty pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, wraps, salads and appetizers, all inside a comfortable atmosphere.
Stop by the Manning Hausbarn Heritage Park to experience a piece of the area’s rich German roots. The barn was built in 1660 in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, before being disassembled and shipped to its current home. Call ahead to schedule a guided tour and learn all about its history, then visit the park’s other attractions, which include the historic Trinity Church and the 1916 Leet/Hassler Farmstead.
